Or does a back-alley journey just make one excellent bowl even more tempting?

Or does a back-alley journey just make one excellent bowl even more tempting?

By Tim Mazurek

Being married to a food writer has its challenges: there are always dirty dishes to be done, daily trips to the grocery store, and you definitely do not get your fair share of kitchen time.

My husband, Bryan, solved this last problem by carving out his niche as our resident cocktail expert. It works out well: nobody mixes better drinks, and I never have to worry about what we'll drink when we entertain.

It especially comes in handy during the holidays, when he serves his famous eggnog to the endless delight of our friends.

This eggnog was the first cocktail Bryan ever made for me, early in the beginning of our relationship. I'm not sure if it was the weird name or the raw eggs, but I had generally steered clear of the famed Christmas punch before.

That changed after tasting Bryan's version, a spicy, creamy, and not too sweet adaptation of his dad's—I guess nog-making runs in their family. I like to think his dad learned it from Bryan's grandfather, but I don't want to ask and risk ruining the imagined legacy.

A staple at my in-laws' annual Christmas party, the eggnog is warm and comforting and has become an important part of the holidays at our house, too.

Bryan, being the modern mixologist that he is, infuses rum with nutmeg, which adds some nice warm undertones to the drink.

You need to start this recipe the day before you plan on serving it, but it's well worth the wait. And you can make it with either heavy cream or half and half, depending on how decadent you're feeling—I always vote for the heavy cream, since it is the holidays after all.

Scientists are trying to figure out why vultures don’t get food poisoning. While research is ongoing, one study suggests an alliance between the birds and microbes makes rotting carcasses safe for the birds.

Scientists are trying to figure out why vultures don’t get food poisoning. While research is ongoing, one study suggests an alliance between the birds and microbes makes rotting carcasses safe for the birds.

If you're among the millions of Americans planning to hit the highway over the Thanksgiving holiday, it's important to anticipate bumps in the road, according to a group dedicated to public education and advocacy.

If you're among the millions of Americans planning to hit the highway over the Thanksgiving holiday, it's important to anticipate bumps in the road, according to a group dedicated to public education and advocacy.

The traditional turkey centerpiece on Thanksgiving tables may come out looking scrumptious, but cooks in the kitchen need to be concerned about preparing the bird safely to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

The traditional turkey centerpiece on Thanksgiving tables may come out looking scrumptious, but cooks in the kitchen need to be concerned about preparing the bird safely to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

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